Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier unloaded on the WNBA and its leaders during her exit interview on Tuesday. Collier's run in the postseason ended in Game 3 of the Semifinals after Phoenix's Alyssa Thomas ran into her on a steal. No foul wasn't called, leading to head coach Cheryl Reeve's viral explosion and ejection. This emotion clearly has been building for not just Collier but several players and coaches around the league. Many have voiced their concerns surrounding consistencies in officiating and the overall level of physicality. Both issues were never really addressed by leaders in the league.
Players around the league were quick to react to Collier's comments after she called for a much-needed change and accountability starting at the top with Commissioner Cathy Englebert. This long list of supporters includes Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White and star Lexie Hull, who both commented on the topic during shoot-around ahead of the team's win-or-go-home Game 5 match-up with the Las Vegas Aces. "I know you're talking about Phee's interview, and I think, when it comes down to it, I agree with everything she said," Hull said.
"It's exciting to see players speak out and speak up about what's going on in our league, and where our league can go, and changes that need to be made," she added.
Stephanie White has already been vocal about changes that need to be made regarding how the game is officiated. She's called for this from the very beginning, especially in the game against the Connecticut Sun that involved Caitlin Clark getting knocked to the floor and shoved around in what was clear to be extracurricular activities well beyond the whistle. Perhaps this was the first game of 2025 that really publicized the wrongdoing in the WNBA. The officials never took control of that game, and White's biggest concern is the protection of her players when games are allowed to get out of control. She was very impressed by the leadership Collier took in addressing this very issue with the league.
"I have a lot of respect for Phee. I'm thankful that we have strong women that are willing to say the things that matter and say the things that will move the needle for change," White said.
White has been fined already this season for her criticism of league officials, but this is clearly an issue that many in the league, players and coaches alike, are more than ready to take action on. The WNBA faces a potential lockout in 2026 if there isn't an agreement for a new CBA between the league and players. Napheesa Collier just opened the door for everyone to come together, and she is certainly the right figure for this role. It'll take much push and pull to bring forward changes for the overall betterment of the WNBA, which, by the way, has more eyes on it now than ever.